Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wauseon, OH (2023 Update)

  • Wauseon Solar Installation Cost: $13,695
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,682
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wauseon

We break down average solar pricing in Wauseon.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wauseon generally cost about 2.56. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $13,691 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wauseon homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wauseon find investing in solar can pay off big.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Wauseon, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wauseon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,591
3 years $-13,382
5 years $-13,172
7 years $-12,963
9 years $-12,754
11 years $-12,545
13 years $-12,336
15 years $-12,127
17 years $-11,917
19 years $-11,708
21 years $-11,499
23 years $-11,290
25 years $-11,081

Top Solar Installers in Wauseon

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Wauseon, optimizing your ROI.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Wauseon, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Wauseon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wauseon

There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wauseon average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wauseon to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Wauseon homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Wauseon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.66 $11,182 $13,452 11.3 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $18,222 11.1 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $23,136 10.9 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $28,194 10.7 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $33,394 10.5 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $38,738 10.3 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $44,226 10.0 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $49,857 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Wauseon, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wauseon?

The average cost of solar panels in Wauseon is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Wauseon?

Solar panels aren't free in Wauseon, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wauseon is currently $132,700, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,441 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wauseon is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

Follow us